🎹Kawai CA59 Digital Piano Review & Demo - Kawai Concert Artist Series Digitals🎹

[@tbo2725]

Bought this last month.. love it so far. Actually bought the CA49 first, but arrived damaged (cosmetic). Wasn't super happy with the sound and navigation system though either. Returned the 49, coughed up the extra monies for the 59, and love it so much more. Beefier speakers, better nav, more recording tracks, more voices, SK-5 piano, USB recording, Bluetooth audio, XL sampling, better construction (the bottom speakers on the 59 are actually built into the "cabinet" where the CA49 bottom speakers were just hanging down only semi-hidden), and just sounds better in my opinion. I know many think the $800 jump from 49 to 59 is a lot of money without enough difference to make it worth it, but in my opinion literally owning both, it was well worth it. Anyway, just sharing all this in case helpful to others who are also spending 5000 hours looking at digital piano reviews trying to make a decision :)

[@alexanderdavie9518]

I am going through this exact same decision... it's about USD $400 difference between the two here in Australia. Money well spent, it sounds like?

[@phantomlord5707]

thank you!

[@tbo2725]

@@alexanderdavie9518 Definitely. I still play it daily and am still very happy with my decision!

[@JR_MusicMan]

Thanks for your useful comment @ tbo272 Have you played along with the tune from the lesson? Can you make the keyboard volume louder than the lesson tune? It's sometimes hard to hear your mistakes on KDP 110 due to the same level of volume.

[@gideonz74b]

I ordered my CA59! I had to convince the wife tho for spending the extra €€

[@yina2902]

I've recently bought a ca59, before I see this video. Actually I've planned to buy a Yamaha clp725/735, but the feeling to press the keys from Yamaha does not actually suite my wish. I have already a Kawai grand Piano at home, a ca59 ist for complement. Now my children and I are very happy that I've changed my mind to ca59.

[@julesnijst2812]

Love your reviews! To answer your question on amplifier power: yes, 2*50W does equal 100W, not only arithmetically, but also in terms of acoustic power. However, 100W is not perceived as twice as loud as 50W. That is because the human perception of the intensity of sound roughly approximates the logarithm of power rather than a linear relationship. That is where the (deci)Bell scale comes in. A perceived doubling of sound volume equals a 10dB increase and for that one would need 10 times the the amount of acoustic (or amplifier) power. Doubling the amplifier power equals a 3dB increase in volume, which is really perceived as small step up.

[@MerriamPianos]

Thank you so much! We're glad you have been enjoying our reviews! Also, thank you for the very thoughtful and informative insights into amplifiers, speakers, and perceived loudness. We appreciate it! :)

[@strobeant144]

Your reviews are second to none. I’ve got a CA59 on the way (everything is “on the way” these days, as I’m sure you know!). Your reviews really helped in choosing the best option, thank you.

[@KeepingOnTheWatch]

Normally the 'Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star' song is for babies. Stu's interpretation of it is for musically advanced, savvy, sophisticated babies.

[@xenoclassical4058]

?? Bro that's mozart and it's a 12 minutes pieces with lots of variations...

[@hollowtian6148]

@@xenoclassical4058 lmao

[@sandscribbler]

Very helpful review, Stu! I like hearing your impromptu comments and honest impressions. It's helpful to learn what sets one particular piano model apart from its similar-looking cousin. Regarding your attempt at using "Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star" (~12:50) as the basis for comparing different piano samples, I think your inner lab technician may have gotten bested by your inner artist. I'm not sure any two versions of the song were the same. 😂😂😂 But it was fun to listen to! Also, thank you for mentioning the "rounding" of the keys that Kawai uses on some of their keyboards. That's something I've never heard anyone else mention. And it's the opposite of what I've noticed with some Casio keybeds. Detail like that matter to me, so I appreciate you bringing them up.

[@JediLato]

13:03 Best Twinkle Twinkle Little Star on KZbin award goes to Stu

[@JoeLinux2000]

All the voices sound very satisfying to me.

[@Researcher30473]

The tech knowledge this guy knows is so valuable.... 👍

[@Genevieve8002]

Twinkle, twinkle little star sounded so lovely, lovely arrangement!!!!

[@MerriamPianos]

:)

[@RobertoNapolitano]

Always good to see your reviews. The market is getting lore and more saturated with similar products and it’s sometimes difficult to distinguish between models, sound systems, actions and so on. Keep up the good work!

[@carlwagner5610]

Best piano reviews on KZbin! I would love you to compare the Ca99 and the NV5, since they seem so similar, but yet there is such a price gap!

[@hansweichselbaum2534]

Excellent presentation, as always. It helps when the presenter is a good pianist as well.

[@mchannel100]

We love this channel!! I’m still deciding between this ca59 or ca401! Just waiting for the review!!

[@MerriamPianos]

Thanks so much! We appreciate the support. :) We have not received our first shipment of CA401 and CA501 models yet, but you can certainly expect review and comparison videos once we do!

[@Domsabl91]

So Nice vidéo!! Nobody pro like you in France! The first time for me to find a professional pianist talking about action... Etc... Thanks so much, I just bought one dg30 for stage on a big show for 2 years tour in France and a ca59 to practice at the hotels 😊

[@tHeManH_M]

Hello, the CA-59 Model is on sale throughout Kawai in the city I live in. When I went to buy it, the staff at the store recommended Model CN-301 for the same price. He directed me to buy the CN-301 because it was newer and had better key sensitivity. They told me that since the CA-59 Model was no longer produced, they were selling the last remaining stocks at a discount. They insisted that the CN-301 was also a pretty good new model. If anyone knows about these models, please advise me. Should I buy CN-301 or CA-59 for the same price?

[@MerriamPianos]

Hi! Brent here! Thanks for the question! It really comes down to a matter of personal preference. The CN301 has a few meaningful updates in terms of the core piano sound as well as the key action. The RHIII action of the CN301 has been updated with additional cushioning, which gives it a more solid feel and significantly reduces key noise. With that said, the CA59 is still a great instrument! The all-wooden key GFC action is awesome and the combo of the tone engine and speaker system provide a wonderful sonic experience. Personally, I would give a slight edge to the CA59, as I find the feel of the keys to be more authentic. But, that would be a very slight edge. :)

[@tHeManH_M]

@@MerriamPianos thank you 🙏🙏🙏

[@FelipeCostaPiano]

Very nice review, as always. But I am curious to hear about the pianos with the silent system, such as the AXT3, anytime series. Is the action much different from the regular acoustic pianos? Please, do a review on those.

[@clivejarvis1860]

Great review as usual . Im seriously considering this CA59 . I own at the moment a Roland fp90 and really pleased with it but thinking of upgrading to this . Is it an upgrade ? i don't know , i have played one and felt it has a lighter action than the Roland , is it lighter ? is it more realistic hope to hear different opinions on that issue . It certainly sounds great and its really the piano samples im interested in . Keep up these great reviews Stu , thanks

[@csu111]

What arrangement of Twinkle Twinkle was that?

[@BM2011ful]

very nice like always ... but thanks for mentioning the ca79 because i wanted to ask ... is the extra money justified by the action GF3 compared to GF compact ...and the sound itself of SK-EX ... thanks again

[@shaolin95]

I tested the 59, 79 and 99 plus the Yamaha 700 series and to my ears the 79 is worth the extras money over the 59 because of the touch AND the speaker sound is more robust and creates a more "realistic" experience for my ears. Of course ymmv

[@eming86]

I had exactly the same experience as you. CA79 stood out among others. But I’m still debating whether it’s worth extra 1k as I’m just a beginner, not as good as Stu! For me, CA59 could be good enough. I cannot decide!!

[@petermccormick8544]

Excellent review. Thank you. I plan to buy one when I can find one. Doesn’t seem to be any inventory anywhere.

[@betserv.1187]

Does the touch feel/key action of CA59 the same as that of an acoustic piano? I have never seen an E.piano whose key action is the same as that of an acoustic piano.

[@MerriamPianos]

The CA59 is certainly one of the more authentic feeling actions on the market, but it comes down to subjectivity as to whether a player deems that it is comparable to an acoustic piano experience. My suggestion would be to test it out in person if possible. :)

[@midnight4109]

Was looking at the CLP 745 but don't need all of the features. The CA-59 fits the bill and the price is right.

[@yanadiivory]

Thanks for the helpful explanation, Stu. Helped to make the decision easier.

[@franciszelinka5485]

What a player……seriously wow

[@MerriamPianos]

Stu is an amazing player! We are very lucky to have his talents! :)

[@aliar11]

When depreciation is taken into consideration, this might be the sweetspot in the Concert Artist line-up. Thank you, Stu 👍😎

[@JoeLinux2000]

Good point.

[@shaolin95]

When you consider the less real touch and inferior sound, then it's not

[@sylvia4425]

**March 2021** Q: Does the CA59 have the capability to play downloaded accompaniments we can put into it? (For example: a soft jazz bass accompaniment)

[@rickzig8815]

Hi Stu. When it comes to headphone playing which is the recommendable impedance for choosing a good headphone model? Any suggestion about vendors/models? Some retailers deliver some bundles including headphones. Does Kawai recommend any?

[@rickzig8815]

@NotMyName Thanks a lot. Still alive. Currently enjoying a CA79. Nowadays fighting against midi limitations and testing GM sounds

[@infomusiczone5929]

Hi Stu. Nice work on your music school and these videos are sweet. Keep it up.

[@MerriamPianos]

Thanks, will do!

[@cinehummingbird]

great review !! thank you !

[@krstnn8604]

For an intermediate player, playing daily. Would this be sufficient or am I doing myself a big favor paying a little up for the 79/701?

[@MerriamPianos]

The CA59/CA501 models are fantastic and more than adequate for an intermediate player. With that said, the new CA701 models are incredible. The GFIII action is a joy to play on. :)

[@Davideberti]

Mamma mia come suoni bene!

[@MerriamPianos]

Thank you for tuning in! I will be sure to pass on the compliment to Stu for you. :)

[@nan1ezy]

Stu, what song are you playing from 8:17 to 10:25? It’s beautiful. Anybody know?

[@MerriamPianos]

Brent here! Thanks for tuning in! I'd have to ask Stu about that, but it is quite beautiful! :)

[@olafmiller6746]

Danke für die Darbietung

[@jamesa375]

this is obviously a great digital piano.But as always the main question is how does it stack up against its competition,and in the piano world for KAWAI its usually called Yamaha.In the market area where i want to buy apiano this is about identical in price with the Yamaha 745.So basicaly i m going to buy one of these two.However after having asked at numerous web pages and you tubers i havent been able to figure out if Yamaha has really solid wooden keys like KAWAI.There are people who say that the Yamaha 745 keys are basicaly plastic with wooden elements stuck on the sides,which Yamaha calls wooden keys.I would be very greatful if you can clarify this issue for me.Thanks.

[@MerriamPianos]

Hi! Brent from Merriam Music here! Thanks for writing in! While we are not Yamaha dealers at this time and, accordingly, I have not personally opened up and inspected the action of the CLP745, as far as I am aware, the CLP745's white keys are all wood keys. The black keys are plastic however. There are other models that have used a hybrid plastic key with wooden side-panelling, but I don't believe that is the case with the CLP745. With that said, the CA59 is an all 88-note wooden keyboard. I also personally tend to favour its piano sound and speaker system. It is quite the powerhouse! :)

[@GoWarriors]

Stu says: let me play twinkle twinkle little star. I say to my self: finally something I can also play…..Nope

[@tenonakin9237]

Could you please do a review of the Kawai ES920? Thanks!

[@naturalrestingface4909]

More speakers offer spacial soundscape, not loudness. 100W is not twice as loud as 50W. In simple terms.

[@abath07]

Is it loud enough for medium sized restaurant venue? Or as loud as a Yamaha U1 acoustic upright?

[@MerriamPianos]

The CA59 is quite loud and, without knowing the exact sonic response of the venue, I would say it should be plenty loud for a medium sized restaurant. If more volume is needed, it could also be used in conjunction with a PA or external amplifier. In terms of whether it is as loud as a U1, it depends on a number of factors, namely the age and musical condition of the instrument. As piano's age, they tend to get quieter and thinner in tone, which does not give them the same volume and sonic presence they once had.

[@artyarts-sake4420]

I just recently bought the CA59 and whilst I love the look and feel the sound to me just doesn't sound quite like it does in this and other review videos. The piano is "working" as in no obvious fault so don't feel justified in phoning the shop I bought it from to moan but it just sounds....tinny for want of a better word. Wheres in this and other review sites, there is a depth and richness that I can't quite feel from mine. Also a LOT of resonance by default. I have tried tweaking here and there but not much luck so far. I am still new at piano to be honest and maybe it is the fact that my skills are limited right now. But the base sounds just seem a bit off. Can't put my finger on it. Anyone else find their CA59 does not sound quite as good as in the review sites? Any help would be appreciated.

[@MerriamPianos]

I am sorry to hear that you have been disappointed with the sound of your CA59. The sound on this video is captured by a direct line out feed from the instrument going into an audio interface. With that said though, the speaker system and rich SK-EX samples should provide you with a rewarding and warm piano sound. It is difficult to troubleshoot or assess remotely of course. In any case, I hope that you are able to extract a satisfying sound out of your instrument.

[@pratyushsingh3425]

Excellent ❤

[@majacapek7462]

Thank you very much for this super helpful review, Stu. I have two quick questions on the texture of the keys: 1) I recently tested a CA49. Is the texture on the CA59 keys exactly the same? 2) I found the feel of the black keys to be quite different from what I‘m used to. In your experience, does this just take some time to adjust or should one immediately feel comfortable with the texture of the keys when thinking about investing in such a model?

[@kasparhauser66]

Probably too late, but... Stu mentioned in another video (I think about the CN29) that the new pianos come with some sort of "gloss" on the black keys, which makes them slippery, but it wears off after an hour or two of playing.

[@verymozart]

Between this CA59 and CA79-99 which has more suitable touch to study and pass the diploma recital exam of advanced classical music? It seems the Ca79/99 with the grand feel action 3, have a TOO LIGHT TOUCH TO be suitable to practice to pass the exam

[@MerriamPianos]

The CA79 and CA99 have the most authentic grand piano feel within the Concert Artist series given its extended key stick length. They would certainly be more than appropriate to study and pass an exam with. :)

[@verymozart]

@@MerriamPianos but you didn't reply about the problem of the too light touch of the 79/99

[@Tidus3960]

@@verymozart I was doing a comparison between the touch of the CA99 and the Shigeru Kawai SK-5 at a store. The Grand Feel III definitely doesn't feel much lighter.

[@verymozart]

@@Tidus3960 but it's what most reviews from whom bought it are saying, that GF 3, is very nice and responsive action, but has a light touch. Lighter than the acoustic grand pianos that you find at the diploma exam. What must be seen, is if that affects the passing the exam or not

[@Tidus3960]

@@verymozart There are people who have done a measurement and the down-weight of middle C on the GFIII is around 57g. That’s actually heavier than some grand pianos.

[@fat_bear]

Hi can you make a vid about the us50 kawai upright grand if possible? I am interested in it

[@Ari_M47]

Is this harmonic imaging XL the same as the one in ES920. Stu mentioned individual layering

[@MerriamPianos]

That is correct! The ES920 and CA59 both feature the Harmonic Imaging XL tone engine!

[@alexaciancia7255]

I am going crazy. Do you know anything about the CA840 or 640?

[@MerriamPianos]

Hi there! The CA840 and CA640 are older models from Kawai's Concert Artist series. Those models are quite old now and that line has had several generations of models since their release.

[@alexaciancia7255]

@@MerriamPianos Thank you so much!! I really appreciate your help! Looking forward to watching more of your content! 💜

[@WayneMusicianUK]

Hi guys - how does the CA59 Keybed action and piano engine Compare to the MP11SE? is it basically the same?

[@MerriamPianos]

Hi there! Brent from Merriam Music here! The CA59 and MP11SE actions are not quite the same. The CA59's GFC action has a shorter key stick and, as such, a shorter pivot length than the MP11SE's GF I action. With that said, they're both fantastic all 88-note wooden key actions. :)

[@trannel73]

I compared the CA49 against the CA59 but feel like the CA59 is played more easily. Was it this a placebo affect due to the price tag? I feel bad now, because I ordered the CA59 because of this. But after reading into this, I see there's no actual difference between those two keyboard types? Can anybody help me out here?

[@mikee7534]

Don't feel bad, the added features on the 59 are well worth it.

[@trannel73]

Thanks Mike! Yeah, I guess I didn't feel bad making the wire transfer for the money, now I can play on the 59 a couple of times a day while doing work from home. So good, and figuring out bluetooth audio / bluetooth MIDI is just awesome! :)

[@CheeseMonkey18]

I tested out the CA48 and the CA58 a little while back and I noted a marked difference. It could be the superior speakers, etc. adding to the perception.

[@Phatency]

I listened to this in a store, and it sounded terrible at low volume. Keys felt really great though.

[@zaxlash]

Do the strings sustain when the sustain pedal is depressed?

[@mikee7534]

Yes

[@pastafarian2046]

I just bought a digital piano so not looking to buy one at all. Came because of Stu and stayed for his playing.

[@MerriamPianos]

Thank you so much for tuning in! We're happy to hear that you enjoy Stu's playing! :)

[@guidonvanonder]

watts/volume are not linear.

[@MerriamPianos]

You are correct! Power, volume output, and perceived volume are all very different things of course. :)

[@phantomlord5707]

why is the top 2 different colors? you can open up the lid?

[@dariuszduch912]

no You cannot open up the lid, it a speaker protection net. its color difference is probably aesthetic in nature

[@tanmaymandal.2108]

why are the keys producing so much noise? 7:51

[@damienx0x]

The Yamaha CLP745 has 200 Watts of speakers. Way better.

[@MerriamPianos]

A speaker system's power rating and the fidelity/perceived volume it provides are seldom a direct, linear correlation. With that said, sometimes "lower power" systems can surprise you. :)

[@mrDoveRock]

Get confused everybody..." CA 79 " .

[@tentrade2]

I go for casio, PERIOD !

[@tentrade2]

Their engineering is not up to par NO ANDROID APP 😡😡😡

[@tentrade2]

Kawai is very clever give out the features I have on casio pxs1000 like bluetooth audio on ca59 👎👎👎

[@marlajackson1905]

Hi. Can you clarify your comment? I’m thinking of buying the Casio Px1000 and the Kawaii CA59. Casio for portability and Kawaii for tone.